FBI probing Islamic cemetery fire in Vegas area

An Islamic Society of Southern Nevada official says federal agents are investigating whether an overnight fire at a funeral facility under construction outside Las Vegas was arson or an accident.

LAS VEGAS — An Islamic Society of Southern Nevada official says federal agents are investigating whether an overnight fire at a funeral facility under construction outside Las Vegas was arson or an accident.

Society executive Aslam Abdullah says he hopes the fire that destroyed the $1.2 million project off Lamb Boulevard near Carey Avenue was not a hate crime.

Officials say no one was seen in the area and no injuries were reported after about 60 firefighters from Clark County, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas doused the intense 1 a.m. Wednesday blaze.

Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives supervisor Thomas Chittum tells The Associated Press that investigators are looking at whether the fire was intentional, vandalism or a crime committed against a house of worship.